Romania’s presidential election faces scrutiny as the US raises alarms over alleged Russian interference, spotlighting a pro-Putin candidate’s shocking rise.
The United States has expressed deep concern over Romania’s presidential election following the release of declassified documents revealing extensive Russian meddling. The NATO and EU member state, strategically positioned on the eastern flank of both alliances, is facing a critical runoff election on Sunday.
Calin Georgescu, a far-right, pro-Russia candidate, stunned analysts by winning the first election round on November 24. Previously polling in single digits, Georgescu surged to prominence through what Romania’s top security council describes as a coordinated campaign on TikTok. The council’s report accuses Russia of leveraging recommendation algorithms, coordinated accounts, and paid promotions to amplify Georgescu’s reach and influence.
US Issues Stark Warning
The US State Department issued a strongly worded statement condemning Russia’s alleged cyber activities, calling them a threat to Romania’s democratic processes and Western alliances. “Romania’s hard-earned progress anchoring itself in the transatlantic community cannot be turned back by foreign actors seeking to shift Romania’s foreign policy away from its Western alliances,” the statement read.
The US warned that any pivot toward pro-Russian policies under a Georgescu administration could jeopardize Romania’s security cooperation with NATO and discourage foreign investment, including from American companies.
A Polarizing Candidate
Georgescu, a 62-year-old ultranationalist, has gained attention for his openly pro-Putin stance. He has called the Russian president a “true leader and patriot” and vowed to end Romania’s aid to Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion. His rise has alarmed pro-European and pro-democracy advocates, who fear Romania could be pulled away from its Western commitments.
Opposing him in the runoff is Elena Lasconi, a centrist and pro-European candidate, who has warned against the dangers of foreign influence in the election. Despite her strong base, analysts say the race remains tightly contested.
The Stakes for NATO and the EU
Romania’s election has become a flashpoint in the geopolitical struggle between Western democracies and Russia. The country’s position as a NATO member makes it a crucial bulwark against Russian influence in Eastern Europe.
If Georgescu prevails, it could mark a significant shift in Romania’s foreign policy, potentially undermining its support for NATO and the EU. Diplomatic observers warn this could embolden Russian aggression in the region and weaken Western cohesion.
As Romanians prepare to vote in the decisive runoff, the stakes could not be higher for the nation and its allies.